Halifax: boating safety
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Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, has a large natural harbour used by container ships, cruise ships and the Royal Canadian Navy as well as yacht clubs in the Northwest Arm and Bedford Basin. It is a common landfall for yachts crossing from the US and a base for cruising Nova Scotia's Atlantic coast.
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Harbour and marinas
The Halifax Port Authority has authority over all vessels, commercial and recreational, in the port. The Coast Guard traffic centre, "Halifax Traffic", gives information on ship movements and can be reached on VHF channels 12, 14 and 16.
Halifax Port Authority, Port Information Guide (April 2022, archived) · Halifax Port Authority, Port Information Guide (April 2022, archived) ▾
Weather
Environment Canada issues a marine forecast for the area "Halifax Harbour and Approaches".
Environment and Climate Change Canada ▾
Local rules
A 6-knot speed limit applies in the whole Northwest Arm (watch for the charted no-wake buoys), within 100 m of docks, beaches, moorings and small craft in Bedford Basin, and along the downtown Harbour walk between Purdy's Wharf and Tall Ships Quay.
Halifax Port Authority, Port Information Guide (April 2022, archived) · Halifax Port Authority, Port Information Guide (April 2022, archived) · Halifax Port Authority, Port Information Guide (April 2022, archived) ▾
Pleasure craft, power or sail, must not impede large commercial or naval ships in the port; give them ample room, as they cannot easily manoeuvre.
Halifax Port Authority, Port Information Guide (April 2022, archived) ▾
Operators of any recreational boat with a motor, even when sailing, need proof of competency such as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Visitors may use their home-country card, and need nothing if operating their own boat in Canada for under 45 consecutive days.
Transport Canada · Transport Canada ▾
Hospital and medical
The Halifax Infirmary (QEII Health Sciences Centre) houses the Charles V. Keating Emergency and Trauma Centre. The emergency department entrance is at 1840 Bell Road.
Nova Scotia Health · Nova Scotia Health ▾
Arriving from abroad
Arriving from abroad, report to CBSA at an open designated marine reporting site, either in person or by phone at a telephone reporting site. Only the skipper may leave the boat to call; everyone else stays aboard until entry is authorised.
Canada Border Services Agency ▾
Frequently asked
Who do I call in an emergency at sea near Halifax?
Call JRCC Halifax on +1 902-427-8200. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
How do I contact the harbour in Halifax?
The Halifax Port Authority has authority over all vessels, commercial and recreational, in the port. The Coast Guard traffic centre, "Halifax Traffic", gives information on ship movements and can be reached on VHF channels 12, 14 and 16.
Where do I get the marine forecast for Halifax?
Environment Canada issues a marine forecast for the area "Halifax Harbour and Approaches".
Read before you sail
Nearby destinations
Local rules change. Spotted something out of date? support@vesselsos.com